22:56
Gaelle So
2 Comments

I started a new challenge : baking without sugar. I mean without refined sugar. I won't stop using sugar altogether, but I definitely do want to try to reduce my use of it. If you're have a big sweet tooth, like I used to, I advise you to watch the movie "That sugar film", a great documentary, very interesting and well directed. It definitely inspired me to be more aware of what food I eat, and to have more control on my diet -without being completely obsessed and extreme though.That means being sugar-aware, especially added sugar aware. Next time you go shopping, take your time and read all the labels of the food you buy -or plan to buy- before putting it in your basket. You'll be amazed at how much sugar there is everywhere, even where you least expect it, like savoury foods. The best way to avoid all these added sugars in your diet, is obviously, to make your own food from scratch as much as possible, and there's plenty of recipes on my blog, and many others to inspire you.

The hardest part when you want to avoid or reduce refined sugar, is in sweet stuff, desserts, snacks,... But cooks all round the world get creative and find healthier alternatives to sugar-loaded recipes.

I've made these brownies a few times, and they do taste great. If you're used to very sweet brownies, be aware that they do taste different, and you'll first think "oh, it's missing something". Yeah of course, it's missing about 200g of sugar you'd usually find in a basic brownie recipe.But see it as a way to taste more of the other ingredients that were covered up by all this sugar : chocolate, that touch of sea salt, the coconut...I have used date caramel to sweeten the brownie mix : you'll find the recipe here! Keep in mind that dates are still high in "sugar", though they are dried fruits, and as well as giving a sweet touch to your recipe, they're rich in fibers, minerals and vitamins. I find dried fruits like dates are a great way to add a bit of sweetness to recipes, without reaching for the usual sweeteners. But like anything, it's all about balance and variety.

Ingredients120g flour80 g cocoa powder1/2 tsp baking powder100 ml coconut oil, melted80 ml coconut milk3 tbsp chia seeds (or flax seeds), ground100g date caramelpinch of sea salt1 tbsp cocoa nibs2 tbsp berries (fresh or frozen)Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a square tin with parchment paper, and grease with some coconut oil, using a pastry brush.Put the ground chia seeds to soak in half of the coconut milk for a few minutes until it thickens.In a large bowl, mix the date caramel with the coconut oil, coconut mil, and coconut milk and chia mix. Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt and whisk until getting a smooth batter. Fold in the cocoa nibs and berries with a spatula, and pour the batter in the tin. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes.Let the brownies cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.